SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) collaborated with TUV Rheinland, (Technischer Überwachungsverein or Technical Inspection Association), one of the world’s leading testing service providers in the review of SMHCC’s Food & Safety Hygience (FSH) guidelines, upholding the company’s commitment in providing exceptional dining experiences with the highest standards of safety and quality.
TUV Rheinland tests technical systems, products and services, as well as supports projects and tests processes of companies and organizations worldwide. Being under TUV Rheinland’s scrutiny as a renowned organization founded over 150 years ago, SMHCC takes pride in saying that its program has been assessed through an impartial procedure, which boosts consumer confidence and brand preference.
SMHCC’s FSH Policies are definitive principles based on local regulations and international food safety standards to ensure that the most stringent protocols are followed across the food chain to prevent foodborne illness incidents, thus gaining the trust of consumers and other stakeholders. Training and Education form part of the said policies in order to provide comprehensive food safety training for all staff involved in food handling and offer regular refresher courses to keep the team informed on the latest developments in food safety.
The SMHCC FSH Program undergoes an annual management review to ensure that it remains relevant to the properties’ operations and compliant with any legislative changes. It is meant to establish effective control measures and incorporate food safety into business plans, performance evaluations, and other operational procedures.
The scope of the audit encompasses FSH policies of SMHCC properties, including Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Park Inn by Radisson hotels (North EDSA, Clark, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao), and SMX Convention Centers. The institution of the said policies underlines the company’s pledge to maintain utmost standards when it comes to food and safety hygiene, making guests’ experiences both reassuring and comforting.
Breeze, a laundry brand known for tough stain removal, recently hosted an event to launch its new Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent with its Best Ever Clean compared to its previous formulations. With the goal of empowering every mom, this revolutionary product is specifically designed to enhance the laundry experience. Breeze Power Machine Liquid comes in three variants: Fresh Clean, Rose Gold and the newest – Luxe Red.
“The new Breeze Power Machine Liquid is a game-changer for moms who want the best for their families since they can tackle tough stains with confidence given its improved formula that adds more power to their partner washing machine,” said Lara Santos, Business Performance Manager of Breeze Philippines. “We understand the daily challenges of laundry. Even after using a washing machine, most still have to manually scrub and soak for hours to remove tough stains and that’s why we’ve continuously improved our product and makes the process easy.”
Celebrity mom Danica Sotto-Pingris graced the Breeze event and shared some of her practical family laundry tips.
“Our focus was on creating a formula that delivers on all fronts—powerful stain removal, a refreshing scent, and an enhanced laundry experience,” added Amor Prieto, Unilever Research and Development Manager. “We want to give consumers a product that truly enhances their daily lives by making laundry not just a chore, but a rewarding task.”
The new Breeze Power Machine Liquid promises to level up your laundry game. With its advanced formulation, it delivers more cleaning power compared to previous Breeze Power Machine Liquid formula, ensuring a deep clean and leaves clothes with new fresh fragrance
Breeze’s latest innovation is all about giving more power to your washing machine compared to its previous formulations, making laundry day efficient and pleasant. As such, Breeze Power Machine Liquid is recommended by washing machine brands such as Condura, Dowell, Fujidenzo, and Midea.
Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent is available in all leading supermarkets nationwide and at Unilever Home Care’s Shopee and Lazada pages.
Vietnam is a land rich with captivating tales, inviting explorers to delve into its enigmas and revel in its marvels at every turn.
Vietnam, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, is a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Hanoi, where the echoes of ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the hum of modern life, to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, dotted with towering limestone islands, Vietnam offers a feast for the senses.
Photo by: Benedict Trongco
Photo by: Athena Trongco
The cuisine, renowned worldwide, tempts with its delicate balance of flavors—pho, a comforting noodle soup, and banh mi, a delectable sandwich, are just the beginning of a culinary adventure.
Vietnamese cuisine. Photo by: Athena Trongco
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is steeped in tradition, and its people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Their enduring spirit and resilience, add to the charm of this captivating nation. It offers a wide array of experiences for visitors to explore.
Journeying through Vietnam, one can enjoy the ancient town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and preserved architecture, or trek through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, where the mountains kiss the sky. Whether it’s the historical significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels or the spectacular beauty of the Mekong Delta, every corner of Vietnam tells a story, beckoning travelers to uncover its secrets and embrace its wonders.
Photo by: Athena Trongco
Discover the top five popular tourist landmarks in Vietnam:
1. Ha Long Bay: Marvel at the emerald waters and towering limestone pillars on a cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cruising at Halong Bay. Photo by Athena Trongco
2. Hoi An Ancient Town: Stroll through the beautifully preserved old town, with its charming streets, colorful lanterns, and historic architecture.
3. Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
4. Imperial City, Hue: Step back in time as you wander through the ancient citadel and royal palaces of the former imperial capital.
5. Sa Pa Terraces: Trek through the breathtaking terraced rice fields of Sa Pa, nestled in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam.
Sapa, Vietnam. Photos by: Athena Trongco
Consider adding Vietnam to your list of travel destinations for your upcoming trip. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delicious local cuisine and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. It’s a wonderful place to create meaningful memories with your family and friends.
Young marketing brilliance emerged at the 32nd Agora Youth Awards as the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), in cooperation with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA), recognized the country’s top marketing students at its recently concluded awarding ceremony on July 31, 2024, at The Westin Manila, Ortigas, Pasig City.
Launched in 1991, the Agora Youth Awards is an annual competition recognizing excellence in academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and performance in the marketing plan competition. The awards include categories for individual students and Junior Marketing Associations (JMA) or the school-based marketing organizations.
Mark Cruz from San Beda University was named class valedictorian and Best Marketing Student of the Year. The other students who ranked in the top ten for the individual category are Prince Olie Cacho from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Mike Ivan Siga from Mindanao State University, Kristalyn Agustin from Central Luzon State University, Franco Gabriele Delatina from Our Lady of Fatima University, Kaye Liwag from Batangas State University, Raymart Mariano Jr. and Maica Stephamae Orenda from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Rayan Camid from Xavier University, and Xyrill Baltazar from National University Fairview.
For the JMA category, Xavier University Junior Marketing Association clinched first place, followed by San Beda University and Silliman University.
PMA President Kathy Mercado highlighted the significance of this year’s awards, stating, “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary with the theme ‘SustAInability Marketing,’ we also recognize the creativity, dedication, and achievement of our young marketing triumphant leaders. Our awardees have not only excelled in their fields but have also embraced the values of innovation and sustainability, setting new standards of excellence.”
PMA Board
Leah Marie Ayeng, PMA Director of Youth and Academe, emphasized the organization’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of marketing professionals. “The Agora Youth Awards looks at community impact beyond competence as it is the key to developing ‘changemakers’. PMA is carrying out the mission to be an enabler of learning and development in the marketing realm, promoting excellence in marketing education and continuing the 70 years of legacy of bringing marketing brilliance.”
This year, students were challenged to integrate sustainability and AI in their marketing plans. Individual contestants localized marketing strategies for existing international products, highlighting the values that are important to Philippine culture, while school-based organizations for the JMA category developed marketing plans to help SMEs scale globally in terms of marketing.
The panel of distinguished judges for the finals was composed of industry experts and thought leaders from various sectors. The judges for the individual category were Archie Carrasco, Chairman & CEO of AGC Power Holdings, Inc.; Faye Arellano-Martinez, CPM, Co-founder & CEO of AQAdvertising Inc.; Joselito Ortega, Chairman & CEO of Havas Ortega and former PMA President; Albet Buddahim, CPM, VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Primer Group of Companies; Patricia Poco-Palacios, President & COO of Global Dominion Financing, Inc.; and Jill Christine Pena, Brand Marketing Director of AC Mobility.
For the JMA category, the judges were Therese Castrojas-Galang, Chief Marketing Officer of Airspeed; Bryan Lato, CPM ASIA, Managing Director of 360Next Creative Solutions/PMA IPP; Jenny Wieneke, CFO & Marketing Director of Tokyo Tempura; Jorge Noel Wieneke, Co-Founder of Potato Corner and Agora Awardee Entrepreneurship Awardee; Paul Anthony De Guzman, Programs Development Manager of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – GoNegosyo; and Ana Joy Rocero, CEO & Co-Founder of UNICON DMS.
The event also featured a keynote speech from Rosemarie Rafael, Chairperson and President of AIC Group of Companies Holding Corporation, and an inspirational talk from Archie Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. Carrasco shared his journey from being a past awardee to a leader in the industry, encouraging the young marketers to pursue their dreams with determination.
The 32nd Agora Youth Awards was co-presented by AGC Power Holdings Corp, with venue partners The Westin Manila and Blogapalooza. Case sponsors included Airspeed, AQAdvertising, Inc., and Tolak Angin. Prestige Quality Paper Products Corp. served as the sustainability partner and major sponsor, alongside Primer Group of Companies, Hydro Flask, and Jansport.
Hot on the heels of being awarded the Best Hong Kong Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 in June and making the prestigious Travel + Leisure It List 2024 and Condé Nast Traveler Hot List in May, the reimagined Regent Hong Kong continues to garner global accolades.
In the 2024 edition of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, Regent Hong Kong has just been named the #1 Hong Kong City Hotel, #2 among the 20 Favourite City Hotels in Asia, and #7 among the 100 Hotels Voted Best in the World.
The 29th annual edition of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, highlighting leaders in travel including top cities, islands, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, airports and more, is considered one of the travel industry’s most trusted rankings and reliable resources and guides for remarkable destinations and exceptional experiences.
Excellence and Innovation in luxury hospitality
As per Regent Hong Kong Managing Director Michel Chertouh, “On behalf of our incredible team at Regent Hong Kong, I am thrilled to accept this prestigious recognition from the editors and readers of Travel + Leisure. We are honoured to be at the forefront of excellence and innovation in luxury hospitality in Hong Kong, which is a dynamic destination renowned for some of the world’s most celebrated hotels.”
Corner Suite Harbour view _ king
He adds, “From serene interiors that juxtapose unrivalled cinematic views of Victoria Harbour to exceptional dining experiences, Regent Hong Kong is a rare gem on Victoria Harbour. However, what truly sets us apart is the highly personalised service “on your terms” and our unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. This accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who consistently strive to create highly personalised experiences that create lasting memories for our guests. We thank our loyal guests and the travel community for enthusiastically embracing the new Regent Hong Kong and bestowing our hotel with this highly coveted award.”
A world-renowned luxury destination
Following a total transformation and rebranding back to Regent Hong Kong in November 2023, the hotel has been reimagined as a haven of discreet luxury and contemporary sophistication on the edge of famed Victoria Harbour. Consequently, it has received a notable array of industry honours, solidifying its position as a world-renowned luxury destination.
In 2024, Regent Hong Kong was namedthe Best Hong Kong Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 and a Travellers’ Choice Awards Winner by TripAdvisor. In addition to receiving a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2024 Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List, as one of the Best New Hotels and Best New City Hotels in the world, regionally, Regent Hong Kong was named the Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong at the 2024 TTG China Travel Awards and also received the Best Design Hotel accolade at the 2024 The Bund Design Hotel Awards. Additionally, the newly relaunched Presidential Suite has been named one of Elite Traveler’s Top New Hotel Suites.
A celebrated dining destination
Regent Hong Kong also received numerous awards as a celebrated Dining Destination. The hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Lai Ching Heen, has retained two MICHELIN Stars and two Diamonds in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for numerous years.
Lai Ching Heen Three Trios-至尊脆香三重奏-Pan seared Dumpling with Crabmeat and Crab Roe Baked Abalone and Pork in Puff Pastry Crispy Crystal Blue Prawn with Taro Landscape.
The Steak House, a MICHELIN recommended restaurant, has recently been named one of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants and the Best Steak House by Foodie Magazine at its Foodie Fork Awards. Meanwhile Qura Bar was named the Best Restaurant Bar in Hong Kong by Time Out and best new bar at the Foodie Fork Awards. Click here for the complete awards list.
Do you experience sluggish internet speeds or connection issues at home? Don’t fret! GLOBE AT HOME is here to empower you with basic WiFi troubleshooting techniques that can enhance your online experience.
Remember, you have control over your WiFi. And you can remedy various disruptors that affect your home connection.
By following these easy steps, you can resolve common internet problems and enjoy seamless connectivity.
Check your modem lights
You may not readily notice, but your modem lights can tell you a lot about your modem’s health. If your modem’s LOS (third light indicator) is red, that means there’s no connection. And if your PON is green but blinking, this means there is no connection. This is your first step in determining whether the device is encountering problems.
Restart your modem
First things first: try the classic “turn it off and on again” approach. Restarting your modem can work wonders in refreshing your connection and fixing many minor issues. Wait for 30 seconds to allow your device to fully shut off before powering it up again.
Inspect your wires and cables
Loose or damaged cables can disrupt your internet connection. Ensure all wires are securely plugged in and have no visible damage. A quick inspection might save you a lot of headaches.
Check your connection: 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz
Your modem provides two types of WiFi connections: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Knowing which one to use can make a significant difference in your internet quality. If you’re close to the modem, opt for the 5GHz band. If you’re farther away, the 2.4GHz band provides a more stable connection.
Watch out for outages
Sometimes, the situation is beyond your control. Watch out for red lights on your modem, which indicate connection problems. Stay informed about any reported outages in your area. Connectivity may be disrupted by fiber cuts, caused by theft or unintentional cuts during road work, or or the illegal use of signal repeaters.
To conveniently find out connectivity problems, you may check your GlobeOne app for advisories. You may also report connection issues via the HELP section on the app.
Device management
Take a moment to consider the number of devices connected to your WiFi and the speed of your current plan. If you have multiple family members streaming, gaming, and working simultaneously, you might need to upgrade your plan to accommodate the increased demand.
To optimize your connection, try reducing the number of connected devices when possible. Also, there may be browser plug-ins slowing down your browsing experience. Additionally, selecting a plan that aligns with your family’s needs is essential for smooth internet usage.
WiFi placement matters
The placement of your modem plays a significant role in signal strength. For best results, position it in a central location within your home away from thick concrete walls that can weaken the signal. Be mindful of potential interference from appliances operating on the 2.4GHz frequency, such as microwaves or cordless phones.
Unauthorized Devices
Security is paramount when it comes to your home network. Regularly check for unauthorized devices connected to your WiFi to ensure your bandwidth isn’t being shared without your knowledge.
Don’t forget to give your WiFi devices some tender loving care. Regular maintenance can help prevent potential connectivity issues and avoid replacement charges. Take proactive measures to ensure a reliable and enjoyable internet experience for you and your family.
“Your home internet is the heartbeat of your digital life. It is essential to learn simple troubleshooting to unlock the full potential of your connected home. A little know-how goes a long way in creating a seamless online experience for you and your loved ones,” said Abigail Cardino, VP Globe Broadband Business.
Embrace the power of knowledge and take control of your home internet experience today! Visit the GlobeOne app if you need more help and check this video. To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
The much-awaited 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF) is happening from August 21 to 25, at the Megatrade Halls 1-3 of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The NTF is a flagship initiative organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO). It aims to promote the efficient marketing of local products and provide a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their unique and innovative products to a wider audience. Building on the success of the 2023 Hybrid National Trade Fair, which generated Php 42.06-million in sales and attracted over 23,000 visitors, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
The 2024 NTF will highlight a diverse range of artisanal and non-food products crafted from the country’s sustainable raw materials, such as bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass. It will also feature unique food items, Halal products, coconut-based innovations for medical use and personal care, novelty items, holiday decor, home furnishings, and many more.
In addition, the NTF will facilitate business matching and networking activities between MSMEs and institutional buyers, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. The event will include the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, the Coconut Philippines Pavilion, the KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, the RAPID Growth Project, and the Innovation and Services Cluster for government and private sector partners.
“The DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines,” said DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A.Roque. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the ingenuity and creativity of our local entrepreneurs and discover the best of what the Philippines has to offer.”
The NTF is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, please follow the social media pages @BDTP on Facebook, @DTI_BDTP on X, and @dti.bdtp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP by sending an email to Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.
The BMDPO is mandated to promote the efficient marketing of local products through various programs and strategies. It is committed to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines and helping them reach their full potential.
Hop Inn Hotel, the leading budget hotel network in Asia Pacific, celebrates the opening of its 10th hotel in the Philippines in partnership with AirAsia Philippines, Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline.
Synergizing both brands’ leadership in budget travel, Hop Inn is set to launch its “Hop Inn 10 Hotels: Stay and Fly Promo” to reward its loyal customers with a chance to fly for free to Japan and their dream destinations in the Philippines via AirAsia.
Established in 2014, Hop Inn is a growing network of more than 70 budget hotels across Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. The brand is renowned for its value for money and consistent quality accommodations, centrally- located in key business districts across 3 countries. Its recent expansion to Japan is part of the company’s strategic investment plan of PHP16 billion to expand in APAC, with a mission to operate over 150 hotels and 14,000 keys across the region by 2030.
Since launching in the Philippines in 2016, the brand has been welcoming guests to 7 Hop Inn hotels in Metro Manila and 3 in key cities of Cebu, Iloilo, and newly – opened Davao.
Kirill Mokronosov, Hop Inn Senior Vice President of International Operations said, “Our 10th Hop Inn Hotel in the Philippines is a testament to our commitment in offering comfortable, convenient, and accessible travel experiences to everyone. This is a value we strongly share with AirAsia, APAC pioneer in low-cost travel, a brand which for 15 consecutive years, has been recognized as the world’s best in airline service excellence, providing affordable and safe flights for all.”
“We have had the honor of collaborating with AirAsia Philippines on many occasions, most recently for the successful launch of our 4 Hop Inn Japan hotels. As Hop Inn’s network continues to grow across APAC, we aim to strengthen our partnership and joint mission of providing quality travel experiences at competitive prices in the region,” he added.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hop Inn Hotel as they reach this milestone with their 10th hotel in the country. Our partnership reinforces our shared vision of enhancing the travel industry in the country, making it easier and more accessible for Filipinos to explore Asean and beyond” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the BenCab Museum launches two new exhibitions: Visions on Paper and Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades, opening at the BenCab Museum’s Sepia Gallery and Gallery Indigo, respectively, on view until September 2024.
Both traveling exhibitions aim to showcase significant works of Filipino visual artists from the CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection. This exhibition program, organized by the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division with support from the BenCab Museum, is a continuation of the CCP’s ongoing pursuit of making the collection accessible to a wider audience while the CCP Main Theater Building is undergoing rehabilitation.
Nena in Paris by Benedicto Cabrera.
Visions on Paper, exhibited at the BenCab Museum’s Sepia Gallery, presents selected works by National Artists of the Philippines. Exploring quieter forms of abstraction, portraiture, and even rhythmic composition, the exhibition aims to highlight the artist’s creative process through works on paper. Sketches reveal thoughts and ideas transferred onto paper, looking into the artist’s inner worlds with works such as a self-portrait by National Artist for Visual Art BenCab, as well as National Artist for Literature Amado Hernandez’s words inscribed on National Artist for Theater and Music Atang de la Rama’s wooden fan.
In the BenCab Museum’s Gallery Indigo, the exhibition Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades presents a sampling of the art of contemporary printmaking in the Philippines. With works spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s, the exhibition visualizes the range of artistic expressions and practices of generations of Filipino artists that have made significant contributions to Philippine printmaking.
The participating artists are National Artists Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Felipe de Leon, Atang dela Rama, Victorio Edades, Amado Hernandez, Jose Joya, Arturo Luz, H.R. Ocampo, and Guillermo Tolentino.
Untitled by Arturo Luz
Works of various artists are also showcased namely Jose Garcia Villa, Joseph Abando. Ambie Abaño, Raymundo Albano, Ivi Avellana-Cosio, Virgilio Aviado, Santiago Bose, Mars Bugaoan, Benjie Cabangis, Benjamin Torrado Cabrera, Jandy Carvajal, Florencio B. Concepcion, Evelyn David, Cian Dayrit, Fil Delacruz, Noell El Farol, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Josefina Escudero, Brenda Fajardo, Lynden Garcia , Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Bernadette Gular-Becares, Ojeng Jocano, Flora Mauleon, Omar Noble, Romulo Olazo, Nonon Padilla , Rod. Paras-Perez, Rhoda Recto, Cenon Rivera, Manuel Rodriguez, Sr., Marcelino Rodriguez, Rodolfo Samonte, Danny Sola, Manuel Soriano, Des Tenorio, and Efren Zaragoza.
Aside from the exhibitions, CCP and BenCab Museum will be hosting public programs such as guided tours and printmaking workshops organized in partnership with the Association of Pinoyprintmakers. These public programs aim to familiarize the general public with different forms of artmaking while broadening their appreciation for Philippine art and culture.
Both exhibitions opened last August 3, 2024 (Saturday), 4PM at the BenCab Museum. Visions on Paper at Sepia Gallery runs until September 1, 2024, while Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades at Gallery Indigo runs until September 29, 2024.
To get the latest updates on the exhibitions Visions on Paper and Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades, follow the official CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) and BenCab Museum social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
ManilART, the country’s national art fair, returns this year with the theme “Prisms & Mosaics,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of contemporary Filipino art. Set to run from October 9-13, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, this year’s event is a dynamic celebration of diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness in artistic expression. This theme aligns with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s 2024 Museums and Galleries Month theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” (Art’s Harvest, A Creative Nation), which emphasizes that the abundant harvest of Filipino creativity stems from the nation’s collective imagination.
Exploring Multiple Perspectives and Collective Visions
As a prism refracts a beam of light into different wavelengths and spectra of colors, contemporary Filipino art encompasses a breadth of perspectives, techniques, and stories. Artists draw from a wellspring of inspiration: from history and traditional folklore to global trends and emerging schools of thought. While each facet retains its unique qualities, collaboration is crucial, connecting and enhancing each artist’s contribution and enriching the overall picture. Much like a mosaic, where distinct pieces form a cohesive image, art fairs and the Philippine arts and cultural scene unite individual talents into a collective celebration of artistic expression — in this unity, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This emphasis on collaboration reflects the Filipino spirit, known for its bayanihan, where collectivism is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage.
Myriad Expressions and Creativity in the Time of AI
This year’s roster explodes with diverse offerings that interpret the theme in both figurative and literal ways. Among the anticipated exhibits is the showcase and biographical book launch of glass master Ramon Orlina. The three-dimensional lineup includes works in glass and crystal by powerhouse Marge Organo, oversized iridescent wall-bound metalworks by Ombok Villanueva, woven wood functional art by Agi Pagkatipunan, giant brass insects and birds by Jik Villanueva, and filigreed translucent ostrich egg carvings by ManilART Head Curator Danny Rayos del Sol. Two-dimensional works include masterworks by Romulo Galicano, surreal figurative semi-murals by Darby Alcoseba, works of cultural iconography by Adeste Deguilmo, ethereal whimsical expressionism by Joe Marie Sanclaria, and bold impastos and cutting-edge glasswork by the all-female power trio of Anna Orlina, Bea Policarpio, and Abby Añover.
A special multimedia exhibit entitled “Plugged Into Fernalia— Art in the Age of AI” will juxtapose AI-generated works alongside human-made art given a set of specially-curated prompts and seeks to explore the complex interplay of technology and human creativity. Gromyko Semper assembles a roster of local and international artists to participate in this ambitious project. The lineup includes Noel Sadicon, Joshua Palisoc, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Jonathan Benitez, Maria Magdamit, Judeo Herrera, Gilbert Semillano, Cheryl Hironaka, Glenn Martinez, Ali Alejandro, Roman Padilla, Angelo Padilla, Paul Benjamin Hilario, Jopeter Arias, Hermino Tan, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric.
Museums and Galleries Month partners and satellites
The five-day fair is co-presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and ManilART Foundation, and banners Museums and Galleries Month in October, and coincides with satellite shows around the country.
ManilART’24 is supported by partners Museo Orlina, The City of Taguig, SM Supermalls, SMX Convention Center, Ladder Events Production, Vision Prime Media, Future Studios, Design Phoundry, Ticketbooth.ph, Via Mare Catering, Pure Foods Deli, BDO, MOD Coffee, Grentek Solutions, Marco Polo Ortigas, Art Caravan, and Sebastiao Cocktails. Media partners include ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), The Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, Metro, Inquirer Pop!, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Preen.ph, Business Mirror, Peoples Journal, WhenInManila.com, Scout, Pilipino Mirror, Nolisoli.ph, Klik.ph, Cebu Daily News, Experience Travel & Living, Hue TVEverywhere, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Standard, and Alike.
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ManilART’24 tickets are available at Ticketbooth.ph. For group tours and school groups, email manilartsecretariat@gmail.com. For more details and the official activities calendar, follow our social media pages at ManilART on Facebook and @manilartfair on Instagram or visit www.manilartfair.com.
